PEMX vs VOO
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEMX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.99% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +29.16% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.43% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.86% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PEMX vs VOO Performance
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (PEMX) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEMX returned +48.43% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, PEMX is up 29.16% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, PEMX compounded at +31.86% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, PEMX has the edge at +30.93% annualized vs +13.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -19.0% for PEMX and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEMX charges 0.69% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEMX currently yields 4.99% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PEMX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEMX or VOO?
PEMX has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEMX or VOO?
Over the past year PEMX returned +48.43% vs +21.63% for VOO, so PEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PEMX annualized +30.93% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEMX or VOO?
PEMX has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PEMX -19.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PEMX and VOO?
PEMX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEMX and VOO?
PEMX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEMX or VOO?
PEMX yields 4.99% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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